During 2007 downstream players had been under unprecedented pressure brought by the extremely turbulent acrylonitrile values in China market, since the bullish soaring in Jun till Nov when the market finally retraced back to its original place, while Asian acrylonitrile market aggressively pushed all the way through the year, laying a sound foundation for the market and ensured cost support for its downstream chain in the new year. Given the growing dynamic in acrylonitrile trading, unstable operation of acrylic fiber producers, as well as the fast expanding capacity of downstream ABS and AM/PAM, the acrylonitrile market trend in 2008 is still a subject that deserves high attention.

Reviewing the acrylic fiber market in 2007, except for the short-lived gaining seen in Jun, market saw constantly shrinking demand under the impact from polyester, viscose and cotton sectors. At the end of the year, operating rate was cut down to 50% but could not reverse the downward trend. It is already predictable that Chinese acrylic yarn capacity still cannot achieve a full play in 2008. At which operation rate will demand-supply balance of acrylic fiber market recover to a sound situation, is also a key problems for players to look into.

The application of acrylic fiber in carbon fiber territory will remain as a hot topic in 2008, as many producers are to look for opportunities in new territories after experienced the shrinking demand from textile sector in 2007. Having went through a one-year research, how far has Chinese carbon fiber technology gone in its development?

On the other hand, the quick expanding in downstream sectors including ABS and AM/PAM had somewhat made up for the demand loss caused by low operating rate of acrylic fiber producers. What a role will they play in 2008?

In 2007, national policies, including tightened currency policy, lower export rebate rate and processing trade restriction, played a significant role, bringing the market great influence. Will these factors have their influence continued into 2008?

To answer these wildly concerned questions, traders, producers and downstream customers need an opportunity to exchange ideas. With experiences gained from the success of previous four forums, China Chemical Fiber Economic Information Network (CCFEI) and PCI Acrylonitrile Ltd are to hold 5th China International Acrylonitrile & Acrylic Fiber Forum (2008).

In 5th China International Acrylonitrile & Acrylic Fiber Forum, officials from relevant state departments and associations will be invited to give speeches concerning export perspective, market operation and development. Professional analysts from CCFEI and PCI, as well as senior officials from famed enterprises including Jilin Qifeng, Acrylic Fiber Sales Company of Sinopec, Asahi Kasei and Acrylonitrile Plant of Jilin Chemical Group, etc., will also give speeches.